In today’s blog, we’re introducing one of Japan’s most beloved snacks—onigiri! Enjoy the deliciousness of these rice balls and learn how to make your own at home. 🍙✨
This month, we’re diving into the most popular onigiri fillings and sharing easy at-home recipes. We’ll also be explaining why perfectly cooked rice is essential for making the best onigiri. Plus, learn how you can join Onigiri Action to help provide meals to children in need!
Most Popular Onigiri Fillings According to Zojirushi 101 Subscribers
We asked our Zojirushi 101 subscribers about their favorite onigiri fillings, and here’s what they had to say:
#1 Spam Musubi: The top pick among all our subscribers! This Hawaiian favorite brings together savory Spam with perfectly seasoned rice for a perfect snack.
#2 Furikake: A simple yet flavorful option, furikake adds a burst of umami with every bite.
#3 Salmon: A classic filling, grilled or smoked salmon is a go-to for seafood lovers.
Honorable Mention- Tuna Mayo: This creamy and rich filling ranked #1 in our younger subscribers!
Making Onigiri at Home
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, making onigiri at home is simple and fun. Here are three easy recipes to try:
- Basic Onigiri
The foundation of any great onigiri is perfectly cooked rice. Once you have that, shaping the rice into triangles or rounds and adding your favorite filling is easy. Learn how to make basic onigiri here.
- Spam Musubi
For a Hawaiian twist on onigiri, try making Spam musubi. It’s a fun combination of Japanese rice balls and Spam slices. Check out the full recipe here.
- Onigirazu (Rice Sandwich)
If shaping onigiri feels difficult, you can always try Onigirazu! It’s a rice sandwich that’s simple to assemble and offers endless possibilities for fillings. Get the recipe here.
Try These Unique Onigiri Fillings
Feeling adventurous and looking for something different? Here are some unique onigiri filling combinations to inspire you:
● Tuna, Mayo, and Kimchi: A fusion of creamy and spicy flavors.
● Mushroom and Miso: Earthy mushrooms combined with rich miso paste for a hearty bite.
● Chicken Soboro: A protein-packed option with seasoned ground chicken for a delicious onigiri filling.
Join Onigiri Action and Make a Difference!
Since 2015, Zojirushi America has proudly supported TABLE FOR TWO USA’s Onigiri Action program. For every photo of an Onigiri shared with the hashtag #OnigiriAction between October 3 and November 16, 2024, 5 school meals will be donated to children in need.
Want to participate? Simply snap a photo of your onigiri! Share it on Instagram with the hashtag #OnigiriAction, and tag @ZojirushiAmerica so we can see your creations! You’ll be making a difference, one rice ball at a time.
Why Rice Quality Matters: The Secret to Perfect Onigiri
While the filling is important, the key to truly great onigiri is rice. Similar to sushi, the quality of the rice makes all the difference. That’s why a Zojirushi rice cooker ensures perfectly cooked rice every time.
Our Micom rice cookers automate the entire cooking process! It presoaks the rice, adjusts the heat, and steams it to perfection. For even softer rice that stays tender when cooled, our pressure rice cookers can do it all! It uses advanced IH technology to achieve that perfect texture.
Without perfectly cooked rice, onigiri just wouldn’t be the same. That’s why we recommend using a high-quality rice cooker to bring out the best in your onigiri!
Get Involved with Onigiri Action Today!
Don’t forget to post an onigiri-related photo using #OnigiriAction between October 3 and November 16, 2024, to donate 5 school meals to children in need. Don’t forget to tag @ZojirushiAmerica on Instagram so we can see your delicious creations and support this important cause!
Leave a Reply